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Former Roan Member of Parliament, Chishimba Kambwili has disclosed that he will soon spill the beans on certain politicians whom he described as selfish.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka at the Patriotic Front (PF) national convention, Dr Kambwili who is attending the function as a delegate said he will address the nation at an appropriate time why be withdrew from the United Party for National Development alliance.
Dr Kambwili who was accompanied by his newly appointed Vice President Saboi Imboela said after speaking out on certain politicians, they will not rise politically.
“There will be time when I will speak and when I speak they will not rise politically because I know who they are,” Dr Kambwili warned.
He also wondered why many political parties have withdrawn from the alliance leaving only one party leaders.
“If you you had 14 friends and they all run away from you only remains with nashala neka parties,” he said.
Dr Kambwili has also called for unity among politicians adding that politics of name calling , hatred or violence are a stone age.
The PF has today commenced its national elective general conference which will be held virtually till April 10, to elect leaders who will spearhead the party during and after the August 12, general elections.
Other opposition leaders witnessing the PF convention include, FDD leader Edith Nawakwi among others.
Rainbow Party Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has urged President Edgar Lungu not to listen to the prophets of doom propagating that there will be violence during this years’ general election.
Mr Kabimba said there is need for leaders to instead join hands and ensure that peace prevails during the elections.
He has however commended President Edgar Lungu for having a big heart and accommodating criticism from other political parties.
Speaking at the Patriotic Front general conference held virtually, Mr Kabimba said his Party will continue to work with the PF in improving the livelihood of the Zambian people.
He thanked the Patriotic Front party for inviting him to the general conference stating that the invitation is a recognition of how the two political parties have co-existed.
Mr Kabimba said this is also a demonstration that it is possible for political parties to live together and respect each other.
He has also appealed to Zambians to play a role in ensuring that peace is maintained.
Mr Kabimba said it is the duty of every Zambian to maintain peace and unity in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Kabimba has urged President Lungu to forget about other opposition political parties as the race will be between the PF and two opposition political parties, namely UNIP and the Rainbow party.
“ I hope you realise you will have two opponents, these are your former classmates, UNIP’s Bishop Trevor Mwamba and myself. Forget about the rest and concentrate on us. My prayer is that the President of this country must remain in our class, we must guard this presidency jealously, it must remain in our class in 2021, 2026, and beyond,” he said.
The Energy Regulation Board -ERB- has granted fuel transporters a one-week waiver on the restriction movement of fuel tanks on the road.
In a statement to the media, ERB Manager Public Relations KWALI MFUNI says the waiver, to run from 6th to 13th April is aimed at ensuring that national fuel supply returns to normal in all parts of the country.
Ms. MFUNI adds that the waiver means a temporal suspension of aspects of the Zambian Standard on transportation of petroleum products which stipulates that Road Tank vehicles carrying petroleum products are only allowed movement during the daytime from 06
rs to 18 hours for safety reasons.
She says the measure follows the resumption of normal operations by tanker drivers who had taken industrial action during the Easter Break period.
Ms. MFUNI has since urged collaborative stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain to facilitate for the efficient passage of Fuel Tankers on all public roads even beyond the stipulated operating time frames.
She has however reminded foreign tanker operators to deliver fuel only at TAZAMA or Oil Marketing Company depots to allow for marking of all products before they are retailed in line with the Fuel Marking and Monitoring Regulations.
Power Dynamos officials were part of the mourners that attended the burial of former club patron Hanson Sindowe who was buried at Memorial Park in Lusaka on Friday.
Sindowe, the founder of Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) – the main sponsors of Power Dynamos died last Sunday at the age of 72.
In his speech during burial, Power chairman Bbenkele Haachitwe paid tribute to Sindowe for his contribution to Zambian football.
“Hanson Sindowe contributed greatly to the development of the Zambian game at all the Clubs he served in various capacities. The hallmark of his contribution to football was at Power Dynamos where he attained the greatest mark ever to be achieved by a Zambian football Club at continental level,” Haachitwe said.
“Proud we were in 1991 as continental Kings. Our duty now is to keep your dream alive and win another continental crown in your honour.”
FAZ honoured Sindowe in 2018 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to football.
“As Patron, the Power Dynamos agenda was always on his priority list. He stood for the growth of the Club and did so much to ensure that the Ndeke outfit remained among the best sponsored clubs in Zambia. We have lost a great contributor to the Zambian game and this is a big loss not only to Power Dynamos but to the Zambian game at large,” he said.
Before being associated with Power, Sindowe earlier in the 1980s served in the executive at Mufulira Wanderers, Nchanga Rangers and Kabwe Warriors.
Zambia National Service(ZNS) Commandant Lieutenant General Nathan Mulenga says the Presidential Initiative Milling Plant in Monze district will soon be completed.
Lt Gen Mulenga who was impressed with the workmanship, expressed optimism that the milling plant which has reached 99 percent completion rate, is almost ready for commissioning.
Speaking when he toured the milling plant in Monze, Lt Gen Mulenga stated that the only major issue remaining is connecting power to the plant.
He added that the plant once operational, will start serving the local people through employment and other spiral effects.
“It is just a matter of weeks and the plant will be tested and handed over. It will benefit the people of Monze as they will be employed and development will be brought here in Monze,” he said.
Lt Gen Mulenga stated that the President wants to see the milling plant actualized so that it can benefit the local people.
He explained that the project is a grant from the Chinese government who are constructing the milling plant.
The high ranking ZNS official said the completion of the project will reduce the price of mealie meal which is the staple food in the country.
Commandant Mulenga indicated that the facility will also attract development to Monze which is in a rural setting.
Lt Gen Mulenga said the Monze Milling plant will be one of its kind in the country which will go a long way in helping the people of Zambia.
He further explained that the project which was initiated by President Edgar Lungu, shows how the Zambian leader and his Chinese counterpart are concerned about the plight of their people.
Lt Gen Mulenga thanked the Chinese government for their continued support saying the milling plant will benefit the Zambian people greatly by producing affordable mealie meal.
He commended the District Administration in Monze for sensitizing the local people on the importance of crop diversification.
“We have all sorts of food in the country apart from maize. It is gratifying to hear that farmers in Monze have started diversifying as that is the way to go,” he said.
The Commandant added that he is happy to hear that the local Chiefdoms in Monze are happy with the milling project as it will benefit them and their people.
Commandant Mulenga urged the local administration to remind the local farmers not to sell maize to the briefcase buyers as that might affect the production at the milling plant.
And Monze District Commissioner Munachoongo Muleya thanked government for choosing Monze District to benefit from the Presidential milling initiative.
Mrs Muleya said the infrastructure has developed the area and will continue to do so.
She thanked the ZNS Commandant for ensuring the project is complete in the shortest possible time.
The ZNS Commandant Lt Gen Nathan Mulenga was in Southern Province on a two days tour of ZNS projects in the Province.
President Edgar Lungu and all 54 contestants for the position of Member of the Central Committee have been elected unopposed at the Patriotic Front (PF) General Conference.
The convention has seen 18 women get elected to the PF’s Central Committee as members of the ruling party’s highest decision making organ.
President Lungu, Vice President Inonge Wina, PF National Chairman Samuel Mukupa and Secretary General Davies Mwila were among the officials that went unopposed as MCCs.
Other Notables include Former Minister of Health Dr Chilufya Chitalu, former Community Development Minister Emerine Kabanshi, PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri and Geoffrey Mwamba, popularly known as GBM.
President Lungu and the 54 new MCC were endorsed by the over 2,000 delegates attending the ruling party general conference from 20 different locations in the country’s 10 provinces.
The PF is holding its general conference from 10 to 11 April from two sites per province in line with prescribed Covid 19 measures.
Opposition NDC leader Chishimba Kabwili follow the procedings during the Patriotic Front General Conference at Mulungushi Conference Center yesterday. April 10, 2021. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
And speaking at the PF General Convention in Lusaka, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Leader Chishimba Kambwili called for the reduction of presidential candidates and support to the ruling party.
Mr Kambwili appealed to pro PF parties to stand down and give support to the PF to battle against the United Party for National Development (UPND).
He said it is a well-known fact that the August 12 general elections are between the PF and UPND and that contesting elections will only weaken the ruling party’s chances of retaining power as votes will be split.
“It’s Red versus Green. We need to reduce on the number presidential candidates to allow the PF win than give a chance to other people I wouldn’t want to mention,” said Mr Kambwili.
He pointed out that the country is divided in two regions and that politicians must put aside their personal interests and ensure that the country does not slide into problems.
Mr Kambwili praised the PF for inviting other political parties to attend its general conference stressing that such actions have the capacity to end political tension in the country.
Opposition FDD leader Edith Nawakwi and Winter Kabimba following procedings during the Patriotic Front General Conference at Mulungushi Conference Center yesterday. April 10, 2021. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Rainbow Party Leader Wynter Kabimba called for co-existence among political parties in the country.
Mr Kabimba said it is the responsibility of all Zambians to ensure that peace is maintained before, during and after the August 12 polls.
And Forum for Democracy and Development President Edith Nawakwi said there is a need to build upon the political interaction PF has initiated and take it to the national level and secure national interests.
Mrs Nawakwi said if political parties were united, Zambia would have gone to the August 12 polls under a new republican constitution.
And in a message read on his behalf African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule paid glowing tribute to Zambia for the sacrifices the country made in ensuring that countries in Southern Africa and the continent got liberated.
In a speech read for him by Lindiwe Maseko, Mr Magashule said South Africa will forever be indebted to Zambia’s sacrifices and paid glowing tribute to the selfless leadership of Dr Kaunda and other Zambian leaders for ensuring that other countries got liberated.
The ANC leader proposed the establishment of a Heroes Cemetery to honour South Africans and Zambians who died during the liberation struggle.
He praised the PF for the social economic transformation the country has undergone and wished the PF well with its convention and the August polls as it seeks a fresh mandate from Zambians to continue governing the country.
And ZANU PF Secretary General Obert Mpofu said in a speech read for him by Cyril Manerva recounted the influential role Zambia played in Zimbabwe’s liberation at the cost of several Zambian lives.
He wished the PF to emerge strong from the convention in order to address the issues affecting the country and strive to continue improving the welfare of Zambians.
Burundi’s ruling party, National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy(CNDD-FDD)’s Secretary General Reverien Ndikuriyo also said in a message read by a representative, wished the country peaceful elections and hoped for greater cooperation between the two ruling parties in enhancing development and improving the welfare of the two peoples.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie who represented the Chinese People’s Communist Party hailed the strong relations between the two countries and two ruling parties in their efforts to improve the welfare of their people.
Ambassador Jie said China through the Communist Party remains committed to supporting the PF’s development agenda for the country.
Russia’s Communist Party was also represented at the PF Convention, along with other local political parties such as the Christian Democratic Party, National Revolution Party and Economic and Equity Party, which were invited by the ruling party to its convention.
Northern Province Minister Chungu Bwalya says the Patriotic Front in Northern Province is ready to support the agenda of President Edgar Lungu as presented during the general conference and the national convention.
Mr. Bwalya explained that the party has a national character as presented in the presidential speech adding that it needs to be supported.
The provincial minister also pledged to ensure that there is peace and unity, before, during and after the August 12 general elections.
And reacting to the presidential speech on agriculture Mr. Bwalya who is also Lupososhi Member of Parliament said Zambians should take advantage of the favorable climate conditions in country and venture in crop diversification.
He said President Edgar Lungu is passionate about growing the agriculture sector due to its potential of promoting job creation as well as improving food security for the nation.
Meanwhile, Chilubi Member of Parliament Mulenga Fube said the general conference is best time for continued growth and revival of the party.
Mr. Fube said the decision to extend an invitation to members from the opposition is also is commendable adding that it is an indication of how inclusive and welcoming the PF party is.
Mr Fube affirmed that the endorsement of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as party president is a good move as it would be easier for the party to market him during the campaigns based on the successes he has scored as President.
He observed that President Lungu is in a better position to take the party to 2026 because he has kept the party intact and united.
Zambia National Service(ZNS) Commandant Lieutenant General Nathan Mulenga says the Presidential Initiative Milling Plant in Monze district will soon be completed.
Lt Gen Mulenga who was impressed with the workmanship, expressed optimism that the milling plant which has reached 99 percent completion rate, is almost ready for commissioning.
Speaking when he toured the milling plant in Monze, Lt Gen Mulenga stated that the only major issue remaining is connecting power to the plant.
He added that the plant once operational, will start serving the local people through employment and other spiral effects.
“It is just a matter of weeks and the plant will be tested and handed over. It will benefit the people of Monze as they will be employed and development will be brought here in Monze,” he said.
Lt Gen Mulenga stated that the President wants to see the milling plant actualized so that it can benefit the local people.
He explained that the project is a grant from the Chinese government who are constructing the milling plant.
The high ranking ZNS official said the completion of the project will reduce the price of mealie meal which is the staple food in the country.
Commandant Mulenga indicated that the facility will also attract development to Monze which is in a rural setting.
Lt Gen Mulenga said the Monze Milling plant will be one of its kind in the country which will go a long way in helping the people of Zambia.
He further explained that the project which was initiated by President Edgar Lungu, shows how the Zambian leader and his Chinese counterpart are concerned about the plight of their people.
Lt Gen Mulenga thanked the Chinese government for their continued support saying the milling plant will benefit the Zambian people greatly by producing affordable mealie meal.
He commended the District Administration in Monze for sensitizing the local people on the importance of crop diversification.
“We have all sorts of food in the country apart from maize. It is gratifying to hear that farmers in Monze have started diversifying as that is the way to go,” he said.
The Commandant added that he is happy to hear that the local Chiefdoms in Monze are happy with the milling project as it will benefit them and their people.
Commandant Mulenga urged the local administration to remind the local farmers not to sell maize to the briefcase buyers as that might affect the production at the milling plant.
And Monze District Commissioner Munachoongo Muleya thanked government for choosing Monze District to benefit from the Presidential milling initiative.
Mrs Muleya said the infrastructure has developed the area and will continue to do so.
She thanked the ZNS Commandant for ensuring the project is complete in the shortest possible time.
The ZNS Commandant Lt Gen Nathan Mulenga was in Southern Province on a two days tour of ZNS projects in the Province.
President Edgar Lungu says the Patriotic Front (PF) government has prioritised infrastructure development because it is critical to the industrialisation agenda aimed at creating employment, increasing value addition and enhancing trade with the outside world.
President Lungu speaking at the official opening of the two day virtual PF National Convention held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka today, said government has addressed a number of challenges faced by the citizens through infrastructure development.
Outlining some of the benefits of infrastructure development, the Head of State noted that it is not just about building roads, structures and bridges, but also a way of creating jobs for citizens.
President Lungu explained that some sectors of society have always been against the idea, but that government has transformed Zambia with road construction and buildings, and has in turn created thousands of jobs for the youth in construction.
He added that government has constructed more health facilities in an effort to create universal health coverage for all people to access quality, affordable and cost-effective health care services without suffering financial hardships.
The Head of State further cited the construction of schools and higher learning institutions across the country, improving the energy sector, developing the aviation and agriculture sectors.
“What we have done to Zambia in terms of infrastructure development is unparalleled. I was just talking about jobs a few minutes ago, but what I know is infrastructure development is not just building roads and bridges, it is actually about jobs,” President Lungu stated.
The Head of State said that his promise to the Zambian people was socio-economic diversification, poverty reduction, and promotion of meaningful participation of Zambians in their economy, as entrepreneurs and workers.
He recalled the declarations he made with the Zambians, among them that government will continue building all the socio-economic infrastructure projects planned under the leadership of the Late President Michael Sata.
The President expressed happiness with many Zambians who have stimulated his vision by owning registered businesses and companies, Zambian contractors working side by side with foreign contractors and gaining skills apart from employing fellow Zambians.
President Lungu said that many people have been battling with the consequences of COVID-19, thus, amid the stimulus packages implemented, government also relaxed several measures so that economic activities can continue.
The President urged Zambians to join him in forging ahead and negotiate the challenges that haunt the country such as poverty, climate change, and the covid-19 pandemic.
“We must not be distracted by regionalism or be on each other’s neck because of politics. Instead we must unite as one people and forge ahead,” he noted.
President Lungu thanked his wife Esther Lungu for her love and support, his children among other family members for their understanding and perseverance.
He further expressed gratitude to Vice President Inonge Wina for her loyalty and support, the PF family who through the successes and setbacks supported him with a common purpose of working for the people without leaving anyone behind.
The convention which was virtual, was also attended by opposition party presidents who included Chishimba Kambwili of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edith Nawakwi of FDD and Wynter Kabimba of Rainbow Party among others.
Other foreign political party representatives from Africa notably South Africa, Zimbabwe, Burundi, China and Russia were also in attendance to witness proceedings of the general convention.
Zesco United stayed firmly ahead in the 2020/2021FAZ Super Division title race on Saturday after picking up their seventh successive league win.
The eight-time champions beat fourth from bottom Green Buffaloes 1-0 away at Sunset Stadium to finally record their first league victory in Lusaka this season following two draws and a defeat in previous visits to the Capital City this term.
Midfielder John Chingandu scored the game’s lone goal in the 34th minute to heap on pressure on Buffaloes relegation fears.
The result sees Zesco extend their tally to 46 pints but maintain their seven point lead after second placed Zanaco beat 2-1 Lusaka Dynamos in the late kickoff at the same venue.
Moses Phiri put Zanaco ahead in the 41st minute to score his second goal in as many games and took his tally to 11 goals and his now joint top scorer with his club mate and strike partner Roger Kola.
Dynamos had a ray of hope when Marvin Jere equalized in the 75th minute but that episode was short-lived when Ernest Mbewe put Zanaco back in control in the 78th minute.
Zanaco have 36 points with twelve games left for them and Zesco to decide the championship.
Dynamos slip from fifth to sixth and stagnant on 34 points after Kabwe Warriors rose from seventh to fourth with a 1-0 home win over promoted Young Green Eagles.
Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba scored the game’s lone goal in the 5th minute to take Warriors to 35 points.
Warriors are tied on points with third placed Forest Rangers who have a better goal difference but only play on April 18 at home against Indeni.
Meanwhile, seventh placed Buildcon stayed put on 34 points after losing 2-1 away to relegation fighting Lowman Radiants.
Jimmy Nakena and Gerald Simusokwe scored for Lumwana in the 25th and 45th minutes respectively while Billy Mutale netted Buildcon’s consolation goal in the 61st minute.
However , Lumwana remain in the danger zone and stay second from bottom even after tying on 21 points with Nkana who are just above them due to an inferior goal difference.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION
10/04/2021
Lumwana Radiants 2-Buildcon 1
Prison Leopards 2-Nkwazi 1
Kabwe Warriors 1-Young Green Eagles 0
Green Buffaloes 0-Zesco United 1
Zanaco 2-Lusaka Dynamos 1
11/04/2021
Red Arrows-Green Eagles
14/04/2021
Kitwe United-Nkana
Power Dynamos-Indeni
18/04/2021
Forest Rangers-Indeni
WEEK 19
Lumwana Radiants-Nkana
A UK-based TV production company is making a Paralympics documentary series that will include a full episode on Zambia’s sole Paralympics representative at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Monica Munga.
The sight-impaired albino athlete from Chipata will represent Zambia in the 400 meters during the Paralympics that will be held after the Olympics from August 24 to September 5 in Tokyo.
The delayed Summer Olympics will run from July 23 to August 8.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His Excellency Lieutenant General Paul Mihova praised Airbloom Media in a statement issued by the London Missions First Secretary, Press and Public Relations,Abigail Chaponda for putting the spotlight on Munga in their forthcoming 2020 Paralympics documentary series entitled “Against All Odds.”
“Paralympics demonstrate immense strength of character and courage to defeat mental and physical impediments. Paralympics are inspirational because they demonstrate that impossibilities can be possible. The Paralympics also build awareness of mental and physical disabilities in the hope of creating a better life for those with frailties,” said High Commissioner Mihova.
Meanwhile, Munga hopes her appearance in the Airbloom Media documentary will inspire other disabled athletes to take up Paralympics.
“I want to serve as an inspiration for all the disabled people in my country,” she said.
Munga is currently preparing for the Tokyo Games in Lusaka under the watchful eye of her coach Crispin Mwale.
Nkana hope to make further gains in Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup when they host Namungo of Tanzania this Sunday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Nkana beat Namungo 1-0 away in Dar es Salaam in the first leg on April 4 to exchange places with the Tanzanians that saw the Kitwe side rise from bottom to third on 3 and zero points respectively following three rounds of games played.
Another victory for Nkana this weekend will enhance their slender top two quarterfinal qualification ambitions with two games left to play at the end of match-day-four.
“We are ready for our return fixture, the victory we got away from home gave us a bit of hope and we are just hoping that even as we are playing at home we just want to make sure we work against being complacent,” Kaindu said.
“But if we can manage to pick another 3 points it can give us a bit of hope in trying to catch up with the other teams.”
Nkana are 3 points behind second placed Pyramids who host leaders Raja Casablanca in Cairo this Sunday hoping to avenge last Sunday’s 2-0 away loss in Morocco.
Raja leads Group D on maximum 9 points.
Victory at Levy is critical for Nkana who have successive home dates there with the final one coming on April 21 in their midweek penultimate Group D date against Pyramids.
But Nkana will have two absentees in striker Simon Mulenga due to injury and goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga who has Malaria.
The good news is striker Fred Tshimenga is back after a three- week layoff that saw him miss the 1-0 home loss to Raja on March 17 and last Sundays 1-0 away win over Namungo.
Meanwhile, Napsa Stars are in Cameroon on a huge mission to try and lift their spirits in Group B where they are rooted at the bottom on 1 point from three games after Coton Sport beat them 1-0 in Lusaka on April 4.
The onus is now on Napsa to try and halt Coton Sports winning run against Zambian opposition this season after earlier eliminating Green Eagles in the second whom they beat 2-0 away in Lusaka and 1-0 at home.
Napsa are five points behind leaders Coton Sport JS Kabylie of Algeria and second on 5 points while the competitions defending champions RSB Berkane of Morocco are third with 4 points.
Minister of Health Jonas Chanda has announced that government has received the draft guidelines from the private sector and non-state actors who expressed interest in contributing to the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition.
Dr. Chanda disclosed that this follows discussions that were concluded yesterday with the private sector and non-state actors who are interested in contributing to the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition for the country’s vaccine basket.
Dr. Chanda, in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka, disclosed that as soon as the draft guidelines are reviewed and approved, his Ministry will begin to implement the acquisition of additional vaccines.
The Minister was impressed with the eagerness by the private sector to support government in mobilizing the necessary resources aimed at supporting the vaccine deployment.
“The meeting with the private sector and non-state actors who have expressed interest in contributing to the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition for the vaccine basket was successfully concluded yesterday,” Dr. Chanda disclosed.
The Minister has revealed that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 135 new cases of COVID-19 out of 7,275 tests conducted, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 89,918.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda stated that no new deaths were recorded in the last 24:00hours, but that 1,254 people were discharged both from covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the total recoveries to 86,813.
He added that the country has 1,879 active cases of whom 1,814 are under community management, while 65 are admitted in COVID-19 isolation centres.
He noted that among those admitted isolation facilities, 52 are on oxygen therapy and 10 are in a critical condition.
“We continue to see some variation in the positivity recorded across the provinces. The breakdown of the new cases and positivity by province is as follows: Copperbelt 11, Eastern 21, Luapula eight, Lusaka 40, Muchinga one, Northern 11, North-Western 26 and Southern province 17; there were no new cases reported from Central and Western Provinces,” Dr. Chanda publicized.
He commended the health workers for a steady management of the pandemic as evidenced by the progress and improvement in the reduced numbers of new cases, hospital admissions and deaths in the country.
The Minister assured the public of prompt administering of the vaccine as soon as it arrives in the country next week.
He implored people to continue adhering to the five golden rules against the virus.
The Lusaka Ministers’ Fellowship in association with the Pastors Fellowships from all 10 provinces have flagged off the national prayer initiative for the 2021 general elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Permanent Secretary, Howard Sikwela commended the initiative saying it has been long overdue for the church to take a lead in national matters.
Reverend Sikwela noted that it was imperative for the country to host peaceful electoral processes from the campaigns, announcement of results, and beyond the elections.
He urged the National Minister’s fellowship to continue with such kind of activities, saying that it is the only way the country can actualize the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
The Permanent Secretary urged all Zambians to participate in the programme because the initiative is aimed at upholding the peace in the country even after the general elections in August, 2021.
“I want to state that the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs fully supports this kind of initiative. When the church decides to pray for a nation, it is only in order for all well-meaning Zambians and churches to support such initiatives,” Reverend Sikwela indicated.
And Lusaka Ministers Fellowship Chairman Christopher Kabunda explained that the church is aware of the positive and negative potential that elections can bring in the country, hence the need to host prayers to bless the campaign landscape.
Bishop Kabunda disclosed that the prayers will be hosted on May 8, 2021 under the theme: proclaiming peaceful, issue based political campaigns to provide responsible leadership for the next five years of Zambia.
The Bishop explained that the National Ministers fellowship was confident that going forward, the country shall hold peaceful electoral processes, perceiving that Jesus being the prince of peace will saturate the hearts of all citizens to value peace and respect for one another.
“This campaign period will establish a foundation upon which the next government shall stand for the next five years. Our sincere prayer is that this foundation shall not be stained with blood, corruption, insults, witchcraft of failure to honor God’s image,” Bishop Kabunda stated.
He added that beyond May 8, 2021, the Ministers fellowship will meet on July 31, 2021, October 18, 2021 for thanks giving and also on December 29, 2021 to celebrate entry into the 30th year of the national priesthood of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
Meanwhile, National Ministers Fellowship Organizing Chairman Canon Sihubwa explained the objective of the Fellowship was to bring the church and political players together.
Reverend Sihubwa further indicated that the fellowship intends to proclaim blessings on the campaign terrain as each political party’s player appeals to people for a chance to serve the nation.
“As a Christian nation, anything that falls below the standard of true godliness is not to be tolerated,” Reverend Sihubwa noted.
He added that the prayers will also affirm the rulership of Christ over Zambia and commit to upholding dignity for every human being.
